Boulder, Colorado

Nestled up against the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is an adventure-lover's paradise. You can find a myriad accessible hiking trails nearby in Chautauqua Park, or venture further afield into the Indian Peaks Wilderness for hiking and backpacking on the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park is just an hour away, with opportunities for hiking, climbing, fishing and more.

Top Spots in and near Boulder

  • Denver, Colorado

    Washington Park Loop

    5.0
    2.34 mi / 72 ft gain
    Washington Park in located near Denver South High School is the perfect spot for a run, walk, or an afternoon picnic! This paved loop is just over 2 miles and offers up scenic views of both Grasmere Lake and Smith Lake. This is also a family-friendly destination with a playground for the kids and...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Sprague Lake Loop

    5.0
    0.81 mi / 26 ft gain
    Located in Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of almost 8,700 feet, Sprague Lake offers visitors great views with very little effort required. It's a short 15 minute drive from Estes Park and hikers can take the short trail around the circumference of the lake. You'll find bathrooms and...
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  • Denver, Colorado

    Westerly Creek Trail

    4.7
    The Westerly Creek Trail is a scenic, multi-use urban trail that winds through the heart of Denver’s Central Park (formerly Stapleton) neighborhood. Stretching for several miles, the trail follows Westerly Creek as it flows through greenbelts, parks, and wetlands, offering a peaceful escape for...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Chinns Lake

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 741 ft gain
    Located in the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Chinns Lake is a high-elevation alpine destination known for its peaceful mountain setting, dispersed camping, fishing, and stunning lake views. Accessible via a rugged 4WD road, this hidden gem offers a true Colorado backcountry experien...
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  • Morrison, Colorado

    Mount Falcon Loop

    4.0
    2.51 mi / 418.64 ft gain
    Just a short drive from Denver up US-285 sits Mount Falcon Park, a 2,248 acre open space park managed by Jefferson County. With over 12 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of Denver and the Front Range, this park is perfect for getting in a quick adventure when you don’t feel like driving t...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Bierstadt Lake Loop

    4.3
    2.93 mi / 682 ft gain
    From the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead on Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you start out in lodgepole pines at 8850 feet high. But you quickly get into the aspens. In the breeze, aspens flutter or quake. It's unique sound as the leaves almost dance in the wind. The views and aspens ...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Explore Fall River Reservoir

    4.0
    1 mi / 144 ft gain
    This spot may be a little more difficult to reach than others, but the payoff is worth it. You'll start by taking a dirt road that splits off from Fall River Road. It is pretty easy going for the first mile or so, but then you'll want to make sure you have a little higher clearance 4x4 vehicle to...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Winter Hike to Loch Vale

    4.0
    5.53 mi / 1093 ft gain
    This winter adventure begins at the popular Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure you arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly! We started the hike with our microspikes on and carried our snowshoes. The park ranger informed us snowshoes may be necessary in som...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Hike the Spearhead

    5.0
    12.44 mi / 2992 ft gain
    Beginning from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, follow trail signs towards Mills Lake. At Mills, continue onward past Black Lake, and then continue hiking up into the incredible basin above Black Lake. Spearhead will be unmissable. Once in the basin, head to the north side of Spearhead. By hugging t...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Hike to Jewel Lake

    4.0
    6.12 mi / 764 ft gain
    This trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This trailhead fills quickly at any time of year, so it's best to get there early to guarantee a parking spot. You can also park at Bear Lake where there's more spaces and add just under 2 miles to your round trip length. A mile into the hike, y...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Black Lake Trail

    5.0
    9.17 mi / 1444 ft gain
    The Black lake hike begins at the very popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake road in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer and weekends, the park shuttle may be the best parking option as the lot is often full by 7am and can be difficult to find a spot throughout the day. Fr...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

    4.7
    8.43 mi / 1765 ft gain
    Start at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alber...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    The Loch Vale Hike

    5.0
    5.53 mi / 1093 ft gain
    The trail starts at the Glacier Gorge trailhead along the road to Bear Lake. After hiking for just under a mile, you'll pass Alberta Falls and continue up the trail through the gorge. At about 2 miles you'll reach a clear junction, with trails towards Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and The Loch. Take ...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

    4.8
    5.24 mi / 751 ft gain
    Start hiking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead down the bear lake road in rocky mountain national park. The trailhead is very popular so it can be difficult to find a parking place at times. From Glacier Gorge, follow the obvious trail and signs towards mills lake. In the summer the trail will go p...
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail

    5.53 mi / 1093 ft gain
    The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Estes Park, Colorado.
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Green Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail

    5.0
    11.38 mi / 2352 ft gain
    Begin at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arrive VERY early for parking as the lot typically fills by 7:30 am. For the best photography options - choose to either backpack into the Glacier Gorge campsite (reservations must be made early in ...
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